A laser printer is an excellent addition to many homes, as well as small businesses, and provides a more economical printing solution than its inkjet counterparts. They are fast, quiet, and efficient, making them a top choice for many print needs.
Finding the best laser printer for your home or business means reading reviews, studying product features, and diving into the ins and outs of available styles and configurations. With the right laser printer, managing your print needs can become a quick, over-and-done-with task.
We reviewed dozens of laser printers to identify the best of the best, based on Amazon reviews, how well they performed in tests, cost, and other considerations. We narrowed our search down to 5 of the top-rated laser printers homeowners can purchase to ensure their print needs are met.
We’ve identified Brother MFCL2750DW Laser Printer as the best laser printer out there. With an all-in-one design and compact footprint, this laser printer is one that will keep your entire home in tip top shape. These benefits allow you to ensure any print/copy jobs are easy to complete, without having to dedicate too much space to the printer.
The 5 Top-Rated Laser Printers
Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
---|---|---|
Best Laser Printer Overall | Brother MFCL2750DW Laser Printer | 4.1 |
Best Color Laser Printer | HP Color LaserJet Pro M254dw | 3.8 |
Best Budget Laser Printer | Brother HL-L2300D Monochrome Laser Printer | 4.2 |
Best Wireless Laser Printer | Lexmark B2338dw Monochrome Laser Printer | 3.8 |
Best Compact Laser Printer | Lexmark B2338dw Monochrome Laser Printer | 4.3 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Best Laser Printer Overall: Brother MFCL2750DW Laser Printer
The Brother MFCL2750DW Laser Printer took the top spot on our list of the best laser printers, and boasts an all-in-one design with the ability to print, copy, and scan in one machine. Its compact footprint means that it isn’t taking up valuable real estate in your home or office, and is easy to find a spot for. It offers automatic double-sided printing to help cut down on paper, and the 250-sheet capacity paper tray ensures you’re set for several jobs. Choose from a variety of printing options, thanks to integrated WiFi and NFC technology. You can print and scan via computer, tablet, or mobile device, as well as various cloud-based services.
Those who purchased and reviewed this laser printer appreciated that it offered very good print quality for a home-use machine. People enjoyed the multi-function capabilities of this machine, although there was some debate over how easy the interface was to use. People found the quiet mode to be very good at reducing noise, and liked the small footprint of the device.
With a price tag of about $250, it doesn’t come cheap, but the quality craftsmanship associated with the brand, as well as the ease of setup and use more than justifies that price. It has excellent ratings with thousands of people reviewing it, which we think goes a long way in convincing people to make the investment.
Brother MFCL2750DW Laser Printer Key Features:
- Print speed of 36 pages per minute
- Includes a 50 sheet automatic document feeder
- Intuitive 2.7-inch color touchscreen
Best Color Laser Printer: HP Color LaserJet Pro M254dw
The HP Color LaserJet Pro M254dw took the runner-up spot on our list of the best laser printers, and boasts the fastest-in-class double-sided printing and first page out times. It also offers the ability to print in both black and white as well as color. It features print speeds of up to 22 pages per minute, and the paper tray can accommodate 250 sheets for larger jobs. It offers the ability to connect with ethernet or dual band wireless for printing while on the go, and the ability to print without a network using WiFi Direct.
Those who purchased and reviewed this laser printer appreciated that both print quality and tech support were solid on this printer. They also liked the sleep mode, which automatically shuts down the printer after a period of inactivity in order to conserve power. People liked that it was lightweight and compact, and felt the price point was a good entry as far as color laser printers go.
At a cost of around $219, it still doesn’t come cheap, but is still pretty affordable as far as laser printers god. The quality craftsmanship associated with the brand, as well as the ease of setup and use more than justifies that price. It has very good ratings with hundreds of people reviewing it, which we think goes a long way in convincing people to make the investment.
HP Color LaserJet Pro M254dw Key Features:
- Intuitive 2.7-inch color touchscreen
- Includes a 1-year warranty
- Comes complete with free, 24/7 web-based support
Best Budget Laser Printer: Brother HL-L2300D Monochrome Laser Printer
The Brother HL-L2300D Monochrome Laser Printer is an excellent choice for those looking for a laser printer that won’t break the bank. It boasts a simple, compact design that is capable of printing up to 27 pages per minute in monochrome. It comes complete with a 250 sheet capacity paper tray, and offers double-sided print capabilities.
Those who purchased and reviewed this laser printer appreciated that it offered excellent value for the cost, and said that setup was “simple.” While it does not offer wireless printing capabilities, people were more upset about the lack of required USB cable in the package. Certainly not a dealbreaker as they can be purchased at most major electronic retailers, but an inconvenience to be sure.
With a cost of approximately $80, this laser printer is a solid choice for those looking for a laser printer option on a budget. It has great ratings from thousands of people who’ve reviewed it, which we think goes a long way in convincing people that this budget-friendly pick is just as good at handling their print needs as its more expensive counterparts.
Brother HL-L2300D Monochrome Laser Printer Key Features:
- Includes a 1-year warranty, with free lifetime technical support
- Compatible with letter or legal size paper
- Toner save mode ideal for less important documents
Best Wireless Laser Printer: Lexmark B2338dw Monochrome Laser Printer
The Lexmark B2338dw Monochrome Laser Printer is a solid choice for those looking for a wireless laser printer. Network cables aren’t required with this machine, as it boasts easy to set up wireless technology that allows users to submit print jobs directly from a laptop, desktop, smartphone, or tablets, at speeds of up to 38 pages per minute. The first page is ready in as little as 6.5 seconds, and it has the ability to print double sided.
Those who purchased and reviewed this laser printer appreciated that the print quality was “excellent” considering the price. While the sleep mode can save on power consumption, some people did find it difficult to exit out of. People said it was “very fast and very network friendly,” with the cost of replacement toner being one of the few downsides, as it is for laser printers in general.
With a price tag of about $125, it’s a pretty affordable option as far as laser printers go, and the quality craftsmanship associated with the brand, as well as the ease of setup and use more than justifies that price. It has very good ratings with hundreds of people reviewing it, which we think goes a long way in convincing people to make the investment.
Lexmark B2338dw Monochrome Laser Printer Key Features:
- Intuitive 2.4-inch color display screen
- Embedded security features
- Paper tray has a 250 sheet capacity
Best Compact Laser Printer: Lexmark B2338dw Monochrome Laser Printer
The Brother HLL2395DW Compact Monochrome Laser Printer is a good option for those who want a compact printer that doesn’t skimp on functionality. It boasts the ability to scan and copy for added convenience, and is compatible with wireless printing options. It offers print speeds of up to 32 pages per minute, with automatic double-sided printing.
Those who purchased and reviewed this laser printer appreciated that the setup was easy to perform, and liked the variety of connectivity options for printing, including USB, ethernet, WiFi, and Direct drive. Many people said the touchscreen was “responsive” and easy to read. There is the option to use “eco print” mode, which users said offered comparable print quality to regular use. Even with months of use, people said this printer worked “flawlessly.”
At a cost of around $170, it’s not outrageously priced, and the quality craftsmanship associated with the brand, as well as the ease of setup and use more than justifies that price. It has really good ratings from thousands of people who’ve reviewed it, which we think goes a long way in convincing people to make the investment.
Brother HLL2395DW Compact Monochrome Laser Printer Key Features:
- Intuitive 2.7-inch color display screen
- Paper tray has a 250 sheet capacity
- Compatible with a variety of paper types and sizes
Who Should Buy a Laser Printer
A laser printer is an ideal choice for those who need to print documents in monochrome (black and white) for either personal or professional purposes. Whether it’s forms for the kids to take to school, or business contracts and proposals, a laser printer offers a convenient printing option that meets many needs.
Additionally, a laser printer is also a good choice for those who need to print a high volume of pages per month, as they offer a more economical printing solution than their inkjet counterparts. People who run a home-based small business might also appreciate the capabilities of an all-in-one laser printer, which allows them to scan important documents and receipts, fax contracts, or make copies of documents for clients.
And if you’re looking for information on other printer options, such as finding the best home printer, or the best wireless printer, we have in-depth guides that can help make it easier.
Important Features to Consider
Not all laser printers are created equal. A laser printer should be easy to set up and offer excellent print quality. Here’s what to consider when evaluating the options in search of the best laser printer for your needs:
- Printer only vs all-in-one. Arguably one of the most important factors when shopping for a laser printer is whether you need a unit that is only for printing, or an all-in-one model. All-in-one printers allow you to print, scan, fax, and/or photocopy documents and images for added convenience.
- Connection options. The next most important consideration when looking for the best laser printer is connectivity. While many laser printers use cables to connect to your computer or router for printing, there are many models that allow for WiFi or Bluetooth connection in order to print. Some printers will also have the option to plug in a memory card directly, or use a USB cable to connect to print. Printers with WiFi Direct allow you to print directly to them, without first having to set up the printer to a wireless network.
- Toner costs. Toner cartridges can last for thousands of prints, but will need replaced eventually. Consider the cost of replacement cartridges when looking at laser printers. This is especially true for color laser printers, where the entire toner cartridge needs replaced even if only one color has run out.
- PPM. While less important than the other features on our list, PPM (or pages per minute) refers to how fast a printer can print. If you’re concerned about speed or don’t want to be hanging around the printer waiting for a document to finish, look for models with a higher PPM number. Most laser printers can crank out black-and-white pages at a rate of 20-40 pages per minute.
- Duplex capabilities. Another nice-to-have feature on laser printers is duplex capability — or double-sided printing and/or copying. If you want to save on the amount of paper you go through, or how you scan documents, a unit with duplex capabilities can be a lifesaver.
- Paper handling. If you only plan on printing standard 8.5 x 11 pages, then any old laser printer will suit your needs just fine. However, if you need the ability to print legal or other sized documents, look for a printer then can accommodate those needs. Same goes for printing cardstock. How many sheets the paper tray can hold is also important. A capacity of about 250 pages should get a lot of people through a month or so without having to refill the tray.
- Price point. Finally, consider how much you are willing to spend on a laser printer. Laser printers vary in price from $50-$1,000 or more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a laser printer and how does it work?
A laser printer is a type of printer that uses a laser beam to create electricity, which creates an electrical charge in the shape of your print. It works by melting a special ink-like product called toner via the printer’s fuser unit in order to create the print job. There are laser printers suited for both home and business uses. Some laser printers feature an all-in-one design that scans, copies, and/or faxes in addition to printing.
Do laser printers dry out?
No, laser printers do not dry out, no matter how long you go between prints. Their inkjet counterparts, however, can and do dry out when they aren’t being used regularly.
Which is better, laser or inkjet printers?
Whether a laser or inkjet printer is the better choice, really depends on what and how you plan to print. Most people will find that an inkjet printer is better for home use, as it allows them more options in terms of printing capabilities. Inkjet printers excel at printing photos, graphics, and documents both in color and black and while, whereas laser printers are better suited to black and white, text-heavy documents. If you don’t plan on printing color, a laser printer is likely the better option, as replacement toner cartridges are less expensive than ink, and they won’t dry out between uses.
How long do laser printers last?
Laser printers last about five years or so on average, depending on how frequently you use them. If you print a lot, the components of your printer will wear out more quickly than if you print less frequently.
Other Laser Printers We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other laser printers. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best laser printers list, they’re the best of the rest and each is still a great option for your printing needs. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
All in One Laser Printers
Brother MFCL2710DW Monochrome Laser Printer
This all-in-one laser printer boasts monochrome print capabilities in a compact package. It offers print speeds of up to 30 pages per minute, and quiet operation at less than 50dB.
Key features:
- 250 sheet paper tray
- Mobile printing compatible
- Includes free, lifetime support
Cost: $140
HP OfficeJet Pro 8035 All-in-One Wireless Printer
This all-in-one laser printer boasts a compact design, and offers print speeds of up to 20 pages per minute. It comes complete with up to 8 months of ink.
Key features:
- Remote printing via HP smart app
- Self-healing WiFi
- Embedded security features
Cost: $130
HP M479fdw LaserJet Pro Wireless Laser Printer
This all-in-one laser printer boasts the ability to print wirelessly in either color or black and white, and features a customizable touchscreen control panel.
Key features:
- Embedded security features
- 250 sheet paper tray
- Includes one year of next business day, onsite technical support
Cost: $599
HP Laserjet Pro M148dw Laser Printer
This all-in-one laser printer boasts the ability to print double sided, with monochrome print speeds of up to 30 pages per minute. The automatic document feeder can hold up to 35 pages.
Key features:
- 250 sheet paper tray
- Remote printing and scanning via HP smart app
- Voice-activated printing enabled
Cost: $129
Brother MFC-L8900CDW Business Color Laser All-in-One Printer
This all-in-one laser printer is best suited for those that require large print and copy volume, and offers print speeds up to 33 pages per minute.
Key features:
- Built-in wireless and Gigabit Ethernet network interface
- Large, 5-inch color touchscreen
- Maximum monthly duty cycle of 60,000 printed pages
Wireless Laser Printers
Brother HL-L6200DW Monochrome Laser Printer
This wireless laser printer boasts monochrome print capabilities, and comes complete with built-in wireless and Gigabit Ethernet network interface for hardwired or mobile printing options.
Key features:
- 520 sheet paper tray
- Embedded security features
- Print speeds of up to 48 pages per minute
Cost: $200
HP LaserJet Pro Multifunction M428fdw Wireless Laser Printer
This wireless laser printer boasts the ability to print up to 40 pages per minute, and allows users to print with or without a network thanks to the built-in WiFi Direct.
Key features:
- Embedded security features
- 250 sheet paper tray
- Support for enhanced workflow
Cost: $349
Brother HL-L2350DW Compact Monochrome Laser Printer
This wireless laser printer boasts a compact design ideal for smaller desks or in tight spaces, and prints up to 32 pages per minute. It is compatible with both letter and legal size paper.
Key features:
- 250 sheet paper tray
- Wireless printing compatible
- Includes lifetime technical support
Cost: $120
Canon imageCLASS LBP6230dw Wireless Laser Printer
This wireless laser printer boasts a space-saving, compact design, and can print up to 26 pages per minute. The toner and drum are combined in a single unit for more convenient replacement.
Key features:
- 250 sheet paper tray
- Mobile print capable
- Maximum monthly duty cycle of 8,000 printed pages
Cost: $80
HP LaserJet Pro M29w Wireless Laser Printer
This wireless laser printer is the smallest laser printer in its class, and offers print speeds of up to 19 pages per minute. It allows users to print with or without a network thanks to the built-in WiFi Direct.
Key features:
- Remote printing via HP smart app
- Compatible with a variety of paper sizes
- Includes a 1-year limited warranty
Color Laser Printers
Brother HL-L3290CDW Compact Digital Color Printer
This color laser printer boasts the ability to print up to 25 pages per minute, and comes complete with built-in wireless, WiFi Direct, and USB interfaces that allow you to print and connect your way.
Key features:
- 250 sheet paper tray
- Two line LCD display
- Compatible with a variety of paper sizes
Cost: $270
HP LaserJet Pro M254dw Wireless Color Laser Printer
This color laser printer boasts print speeds of up to 22 pages per minute, and features the fastest-in-class double-sided printing and first page out.
Key features:
- 2.7-inch color touchscreen control panel
- Includes a 1-year warranty
- Remote printing via HP smart app
Cost: $219
Xerox WorkCentre 6027/NI Multifunction Printer
This color laser printer boasts WiFi, Ethernet, and USB connectivity options, and comes complete with a large, intuitive 4.3-inch color touchscreen.
Key features:
- Print speed up to 18 pages per minute
- Compatible with a variety of paper sizes
- Includes a 1-year warranty
Cost: $167
Brother HL-L3210CW Compact Digital Color Printer
This color laser printer boasts print speeds of up to 19 pages per minute, and allows users to print and connect in a variety of ways thanks to built-in wireless, WiFi Direct, and USB interfaces.
Key features:
- 250 sheet paper tray
- Compact, space-saving design
- Compatible with a variety of paper sizes
Cost: $180
HP LaserJet Pro M281fdw Laser Printer
This color laser printer boasts a compact, space-saving design, and offers print speeds of up to 22 pages per minute. It also features an all-in-one design, with integrated automatic document feeder.
Key features:
- Remote printing via HP smart app
- Intuitive, 2.7-inch color touchscreen
- Includes a 1-year warranty
Compact Laser Printers
HP LaserJet Pro M404dn Monochrome Laser Printer
This compact laser printer boasts monochrome print capabilities, with print speeds of up to 40 pages per minute. It offers built-in wireless and ethernet connectivity options.
Key features:
- Embedded security features
- 250 sheet paper tray
- Two line LCD display
Cost: $199
Brother HLL2390DW Compact Monochrome Laser Printer
This compact laser printer boasts monochrome print capabilities, with print speeds of up to 32 pages per minute. It offers a flatbed scan glass for convenient copying.
Key features:
- 250 sheet paper tray
- Compatible with a variety of paper sizes
- Wireless printing compatible
Cost: $100
HP LaserJet Pro M15w Wireless Laser Printer
This compact laser printer boasts monochrome print capabilities, with print speeds of up to 19 pages per minute. The HP Smart App allows users to easily print and scan from their mobile device.
Key features:
- Built in wireless capabilities
- 150 sheet paper tray
- Comes complete with a pre-installed toner cartridge
Cost: $79
Brother DCPL2550DW Monochrome Laser Printer
This compact laser printer boasts print speeds of up to 36 pages per minute, and features automatic double-sided printing. It is mobile print compatible, and comes complete with a two line LCD display.
Key features:
- 250 sheet paper tray
- Maximum monthly duty cycle of 15,000 printed pages
- Compatible with a variety of paper sizes
Cost: $130
Lexmark MC3224dwe Laser Printer
This compact laser printer boasts the ability to print, copy, and scan, and comes complete with an intuitive color touchscreen. It can print up to 24 pages per minute in either color or black and white.
Key features:
- 250 sheet paper tray
- Embedded security features
- Energy Star Certified
Cost: $195